It's the shortest month of the year, but February still provides plenty for families to do. From Valentine's Day events to fun both indoors and outside, families can make crafts, exercise in the snow, read to dogs and even learn more about technology.

Make Valentine's Day Love Bugs at the Kids Club event from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 3 at Michael's. Clothespins and pompoms are provided through the $2 required fee. Michael's also hosts other kid-friendly events throughout the month. Locations: 4871 Kietzke Lane or 165 Los Altos Parkways, Sparks.

Washoe County Library System always offers events to keep kids and parents busy in any season. This includes a Code It Sessionrunning from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the North Valleys Library. This free drop-in class is meant to help beginners learn how to code for games and other tech things. Recommended for kids 9 or older. Location: North Valleys Library, 1075 N. Hills Blvd.

Build a sense of community with your family by participating in a Community Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the River School Farm. All you need to do to participate is bring a homemade dish to share. Learn more about the mission of the River School Farm while you are there. Location: 7777 White Fir St.

Enjoy Paws to Read at the Incline Village Library from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 8. This free event gives kids of all ages a chance to read to a friendly, furry dog. Readers also receive a free book. Location: 845 Alder Ave., Incline Village.

Take a 1.5-mile Snowshoe Hike up to Diamond Peak's Snowflake Lodge on Feb. 9 for a bit of evening exercise. Of course, the 1.5-mile roundtrip hike makes this adventure 3 miles in all. Enjoy hot cocoa and warmth at the lodge. (Mmmm, hot chocolate.) The fee for this outing is $15. Meet at 5 p.m. at the resort's Base Lodge Deck. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Be sure to bring your own equipment. Location: 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village.

If snakes and spiders are your thing, then head to the Snakes and Spiders of the World presentation at Galena Creek Visitor Center from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 10. Go only if you can handle touching different species of snakes and have an interest in why these creatures are misunderstood. You also can find out more about their survival and adaptation mechanisms. Location: 18250 Mount Rose Highway.

Make a valentine for someone special at the Have a Little Heart: Making Valentines for All Ages event running from 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Lake Mansion. Materials, such as stamps, stickers and paper are all provided. No preregistration is required, but a $5 donation is suggested. Location: 250 Court St.

Catch students from the Washoe County School District playing in the 2018 Honor Band Concert on Feb. 14 or 2018 Honor Orchestra Concert on Feb. 15 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Both performances start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per person.

Families into tech can get their fun on at Tech!Night, running from4:30 to 7:45 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, 490 S. Center St. Explore high-tech games and gadgets and learn more about high-tech devices and techniques.

Check out the Animal Ark Wild Winter Weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17-18. This is the chance to see animals dressed in their winter best (their fur coats, of course) or just enjoying the outdoors, within their enclosed areas. The cost is $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children. Location: 1265 Deerlodge Road.

Take the kids to see "STOMP" at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts for a memorable experience. This eight-member performance group uses unique instruments, like garbage cans and brooms, to create funky rhythms. Three performances are scheduled over the Feb. 23-24 weekend. Ticket prices start at $44. Location: 100 S. Virginia St.

Check out a performance by Cowboy Poet Larry Maurice on Feb. 24 at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, part of its Come in From the Cold Family Entertainment Series. A $3 per person donation is suggested for the event, which begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., however, and seating is limited to the first 200 people to arrive. Location: 6000 Bartley Ranch Road.

Read or Share this story: http://www.rgj.com/story/life/2018/02/01/12-reno-things-do-your-kids-february/1079580001/